South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford acknowledged Thursday that he violated state ethics rules on campaign spending and government travel.

Washington (CNN) – South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, whose political career flamed out after he admitted a year-long affair last year with an Argentine woman he called his "soulmate," acknowledged Thursday that he violated state ethics rules on campaign spending and government travel.

Sanford did not go quietly. He said in a statement that he still believed "in the innocence of my actions" and boasted of his record for fiscal responsibility while in office. Sanford said his administration has spent 63 percent less on travel than his predecessor did.

"[I]t's time to move on," Sanford said. "While I believe I would be vindicated on all these matters if there were ever a full airing, the people of South Carolina have moved on from all that unfolded last summer and this administration has moved on as well."
Sanford, who is not running for re-election in November, had been considered a 2012 Republican presidential candidate before he admitted his affair in a nationally televised statement.

The South Carolina Ethics Commission launched a probe into whether he tapped taxpayer resources for personal use, including travel to meet his mistress. In November, the panel charged Sanford with 37 violations of the state ethics code.

Last month, a judge granted a divorce to Sanford's wife, Jenny, who separated from her husband last summer.

soundoff(9 Responses)

Gary

The facts are Mark old boy is SC was one of the lowest performing states in the country when you became govenor and now 7 years later its just as bad or worse. The real sad thing is the people of SC haven't figured it out yet.
You are pathetic.!!

March 18, 2010 07:19 pm at 7:19 pm |

SuperHiro

What is this guy's problem?

March 18, 2010 07:20 pm at 7:20 pm |

Jean2

What is next!!
Are there any consequences for betraying the people he represents???

March 18, 2010 07:21 pm at 7:21 pm |

LouAz

Can "ethics violations" get him any jail or prison time ? Probably not.
Too bad.

March 18, 2010 07:36 pm at 7:36 pm |

Pragmatic

only in republicanville can you admit to ethics violations and in the next say that you believe you will be vindicated if there was a full airing! The people of South Carolina have "moved on" only in sanford's delusional dreams.

March 18, 2010 07:49 pm at 7:49 pm |

Claudia, Houston, Tx

The State of S.C. needs to divorce Sanford just like his wife did due to her family values. If there are truly any famil values among them, they would do the same.

March 18, 2010 07:55 pm at 7:55 pm |

Old Artillery Man

A man who was considered a presidential candidate by his Republican Party, “The Party of Family Values,” stole tax money from the people of this state to go to Argentina in first class to see and pay his hoar for her services. However, the Republican legislature would not remove him from office. Yet for eight years and 10 million dollars, they went after Bill Clinton. Republicans, the party of hypocrisy!!!

March 18, 2010 08:10 pm at 8:10 pm |

Perusing-through

GOD ASK: IS THERE ANY SHAME IN SOUTH CAROLINA?

Your governor lied and told his staff members (aka state employees) that he was going to hike the Appalachian, when he actually was using money he stole from South Carolina to chase behind his lover in Argentine

The worst part is that Mark Sanford did this on Father's Day weekend. This was time he should have been spending with his four sons and his wife. Where is the shame in South Carolina for allowing this filthy snake to remain in office?

March 18, 2010 08:33 pm at 8:33 pm |

Dennis

I would urge all Americans to question the role of C-Street in the moral behavior of Sanford and all people involved. Educate yourself and see how sleezey some of our elected "public servants" have become. Ever wonder how no "public servant" ever retires not being a millionaire?